With the great feline lunation of late last month still romping about, August shines with the promise of joyful new beginnings.
Conjuring what makes the heart sing is all that matters as we dance into the solar rays that bless the exuberantly languid last spell of Summer. We greet the new month with the first of the harvest festivals – the joyous appreciation of abundance we know and love as Lughnasadh. Aided by the still-strong energies of Leo, there is a potently masculine vibration in the air, both strong and proud, that allows us to embrace all that we have achieved, with a healthy confidence and sincere gratitude. And, with our focus on new, love-kissed-only creations, whatever feels like an obligation will not only hold zero appeal, it simply won’t go anywhere. We have several weeks still to revel in the Lion’s dynamic vibration before we refocus on the work at hand, but Mercury entering Virgo on August 4th will bring the attention to detail where communications are concerned. Expect an analytical tone in all written and verbal exchanges, which can be helpful amidst the revelry, lest we get too caught up in what shines without seeing the particulars. If you’re hatching a new plan, this cosmic combination will be especially helpful.
It is also timely as our darling Venus takes center stage in the sign of The Lion on August 11th, insisting upon grand romantic gestures, sweeping us up in a swathe of silken drama. The fires of passion burn brightly with playful expression, and your heart can be easily captured, at least for the moment. Though it will be easy to get caught up in the excitement, you may not be fully seeing the reality through this current lens. Be aware of looking beneath the surface dazzle to get to what actually lies beneath.
The same day, the Full Corn Moon (9:36pm EST) is illuminated in Aquarius, forcing the final acknowledgement of what we need to move on from, as part of the arc of this star season’s transitional releasing of what isn’t working to clear the path for what is new – and necessary. Groups, in particular, are in the spotlight here, as are environments. If you are part of a collective that has become toxic to you, you will see the inarguable truth of it, and know it is time to be liberated. This Moon is aspected to Uranus, suggesting that sudden, but definite, changes can occur in areas where there is an ensemble cast of some sort, within relationships, and where money is concerned. Of course, with Uranus unleashed, these unexpected shocks can come in obviously positive ways, but also in situations where it may at first seem overwhelming, but actually is beneficial in the long run.
Ah, but we need something here, chéris…one last fling before things get serious, yes? I cannot even consider serious right now (read into that what you will) and I am in no way interested in relinquishing the free spirit of Summer. So, with my playful poet’s heart feeling both sublimely sensual and more than a tad mischievous, I offer you this Full Moon conjuring of bombshell bliss: a beauty-infused nibble for the body and spirit, guaranteed for pleasure, that will have your skin glowing and electricity flowing.
Both potions this month feature one of my favorite cohorts in beauty, the breathtakingly lovely hibiscus. Revered by the ancient Egyptians for its hydrating prowess, hibiscus is also immensely effective for keeping skin firm and increasing elasticity. It contains inhibitors that protect skin from the breaking down of elastin—a key factor in keeping skin lifted. It is also rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient in boosting collagen, which is beneficial to both skin and hair.
As always, mignonettes, add each ingredient with intention, holding your visual and feelings strong, as you engage in the ritual of creating the potions, and each time you delight in their use.
La Passion Parfait
Beauty Bite
Serves 2-4
¼ cup chia seeds
1 cup pure water
2 tablespoons hibiscus flowers
2 cups fresh cherries (frozen, thawed, can be used)
1 cup amaranth, cooked
2 packets stevia
1 cup coconut cream
Raw coconut nectar, to taste
Sunflower seeds, raw and unsalted
Begin by preparing the tea. Steep the hibiscus flowers in the water for at least 2 hours, though you can leave it all day or overnight. Strain the tea, and pour approximately ¼ cup of liquid into a separate bowl. Whisk in the chia seeds. Halve the cherries, and mash lightly them with a pestle or fork. Stir them into the chia mixture, then let it set about one hour in the refrigerator. This will create a chia jam, or confiture, that can be used gorgeously on other goodies, like toast. Leave the rest of the tea capped and refrigerated, to enjoy later.
While it sets, combine the amaranth with 1 cup of water, whisk together, and bring to a boil. Lower the flame and simmer, covered, until the water is absorbed (roughly 20 minutes, but check that the amaranth is tender, as stoves vary.) Meantime, in a separate bowl, add the remaining packet of stevia to the coconut cream. A splash of vanilla is fabulous here, needless to say.
When all is set, and the amaranth is cooled, you may assemble this hottie: find a very sexy pair of vessels, and spoon it in layers. I usually would do the amaranth first, followed by a layer of cream, then a layer of confiture, etc. Top it all off with fresh cherries, a sprinkling of sunflower seeds, and a generous drizzle of coconut nectar.
This serves 2-4, depending on how voracious anyone is. If you have leftover, you can make one larger parfait in a glass jar and cap it, then refrigerate – but leave the sunflower seeds until you are going to eat it, as they will get too soft. The cream will absorb into the amaranth overnight, and the blend will be even creamier the next day. I would give it 2 day maximum in the fridge, though, so if it’s just you, plan to lap it all up!
Cherries These Venusian love bites are ripe with vitamins A, B, C, and E, and contain a heap of antioxidants. Beyond beautifying skin and hair, they can improve your vision, and help you get your beauty sleep, thanks to a natural dose of melatonin.
Chia Hydrating chia add a punch with significant, complete plant-powered protein. Easily digested, chia is rich in omega fatty acids, fiber, and minerals, and offers strength tuned to creation magick.
Amaranth A naturally gluten-free nutritional powerhouse, amaranth is an anti-inflammatory grain that is easy on the tummy, loaded with micronutrients, and rich in protein. Magickally, it is a fiery, feminine plant of protection and healing, known as the “flower of immortality.”
Coconut Lunar-ruled coconut is loaded with beautifying fats that deeply condition and fortify, infusing you with ample nutrients and the magic of psychic awareness.
Sunflower The virile seeds of the sunflower bring more potent solar power alongside high protein, calcium, iron, B6, and magnesium.
Beauty Witch’s Secret: Mix up the magick as you like, by trying this formula with different fruits and variations of the confiture. And try it with quinoa or buckwheat. There are so many fabulous versions on this recipe to conjure!
Then, as we simmer in the afterglow of what la lune has revealed, we have a pair of seemingly incompatible vibrations stirring the airwaves later in the month. And yet, they’re kind of a fabulous match: On August 20th, our assertively bold and entirely expressive friend Mars charges into sparkly Gemini, also famous for expression, particularly in the social realm. With these two cavorting, a casual flirtation turns to fiery passion in an instant – and this means everywhere, not just in love – so expect ideas and inspiration to ignite out of nowhere, and don’t be surprised when you fall headlong into them. There’s an almost insatiable hunger, too, for knowledge. However, bouncing from interest to interest with a slightly flippant disregard for what was just moments ago your most keen interest is highly likely.
This energy will segue into Uranus retrograding in Taurus on August 24th, making certain that anything ridiculous gets tossed aside, and certainly any and all traces of toxicity, particularly where love and money are concerned, are to be released for good. Think of it as the last rung on a rather tall, but rotted, ladder finally giving way. With the seven year transit of Uranus in Taurus halfway in by now, it is certain we’ve all seen upheavals in Venus-ruled areas of life, and the realizations haven’t all come at once, nor has the necessary related healing. But now you will have a much clearer vision of what can no longer be, where you need to go, and how to begin to get there. ***
Which brings us to the New Moon in Virgo on August 27th (4:17am EST) bringing us back to that yearly time of reorganization, clarity, and getting life in order. This is necessary, of course, and the planets ensure that we have ample support to streamline our beloved plans, getting down to business, so to speak. It is easy to feel completely aligned with this energy now, in fact, we actually enjoy the focus after having the time to dream up what we truly want. Now, we set about to getting it done! Just watch out for rigidity, setting expectations impossibly high, and being uptight about it. This goes not only for interactions with others, but for yourself. There is more than one way to get things accomplished, and your perspective isn’t necessarily the one and only truth. Virgo favors good health, naturally, so I love this Moon for resetting wellness intentions as we move along the wheel of the year towards the new cycle. Beginning good habits, beauty rituals, fitness plans, and overall perhaps previously unmapped paths (ones forgotten, even?) are ready for embracing now.
For this Moon, I have conjured a refreshing, cleansing, softening, and highly nutritive facial potion for this time of year when we are balancing the need to cleanse our skin a bit more frequently. It is an excellent restart to good skin health, and a very sensual way to go about it.
Tonique d’été
Facial Toner and Mist
Conjures approximately 3 oz.
¼ cup hibiscus tea
2 tablespoons rosewater
2 tablespoons liquid aloe vera extract
4 drops clary sage essential oil
4 drops neroli essential oil
Prepare a new batch of hibiscus tea. In a glass bottle with either a flip cap or a mister top, pour the tea in with a small funnel. Add the rosewater, then the aloe. Give it a good clockwise swirl in the bottle. Then add the essential oils, one at a time. Cap the bottle, give it all another good swirl, then place it in a window or a safe place outdoors to capture the New Moon vibrations, and the first light of dawn. If you can do this for the cycle of New-to-Full Moon, you will find it especially potent. Use it to gently cleanse, tone, and refresh by applying with a facial pad, or as a spritz. It is kind enough to use as often as needed.
Rose Long revered as a sacred beauty flower, rose is highly active yet soothing. It targets fine lines and wrinkles with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and has a unique ability to soften, smooth, and feed the skin. Ah, and the scent…
Aloe Healing lunar aloe treats damaged skin gently, while cleansing, soothing and adding moisture. Added magick? It brings protection and good luck.
Clary Sage A wonderfully antidepressant, slightly sedative oil that produces feelings of euphoria. It is also antibacterial and highly protective from a magick standpoint.
Neroli Sexy neroli balances skin, hydrating and fighting the signs of aging while simultaneously calming and clearing irritated skin. Add in her delicious scent and major beauty magick, and you have one very fabulous oil.
Beauty Witch Secret: For a late-Summer’s treat, pop it in the refrigerator for a cooling splash of refreshing sensuality.
It was such a pleasure sharing Summer with you, mes amies! Next month, we prepare for that adored season of you-know-who…
Love and Stardust,
